Supporting means for compressed oxide of copper battery electrodes



April 26, 1932. 1 MARTUS 1,855,917

I SUPPORTING MEANS FOR COMPRESSED OXIDE OF COPPER BATTERY ELECTRODESOriginal Filed March 21, 1925 IN VEN TOR.

flarlz'n LNarlus ATTORNEYS.

Patented Apr. 26, 1932 MARTIN I. MARTUS, OIF WOODBURY, CONNECTICUTSUPPORTING MEANS FOR COMPRESSED OXIDE OF COPPER BATTERY ELECTRODESContinuation of application Serial No. 17,243, filed March 21, 1925.This application filed November 12,

1928. Serial No. 318,633.

The present invention relates to primary batteries, and moreparticularly to the supporting means for the compressed oxide of copper,negative electrodes therefor, and 1s a 5 continuation of my priorinvention filed March 21, 1925, Serial No. 17,243. This type of negativeelectrode is formed from finely ground oxide of copper scale, which ispressed into form and baked hard, and then arranged with the co-act-ingpositive or zinc electrodes,

and suspended within a jar filled with a proper active solution, whichin practice efi'ects the materials of the two electrodes. These negativeelectrodes swell, disintegrate, crumble and flake more or less, in theoperation of the battery, which is objectionable; furthermore theseelectrodes are very brittle and subject to breakage during handling andshipping.

At present the use of batteries of thls general character are veryexpensive, which is primarily due to the manner in which they areconstructed and the parts assembled, the construction being such as toprohibit a practical separation of theelectrode from its support, sothat when the electrode has spent its life, or for any other reason nolonger possesses utility, the entire battery as a unit must bediscarded. The construction does not perif so mit of a renewal orsubstitution of the elecsupporting means for the electrode of suchbatteries, which not only serves to protect the electrode in a manner toreduce to a mini- 40 mum the possibility of the latter becoming broken,crumbling or the like, but which also permits the electrode to bequickly and conveniently removed therefrom, when its use is no longerdesired and a renewal of substitute electrode arran ed in its lace thuseffectin a great saving, sincethe supporting means can be usedindefinitely with others than the original electrode, which may besubstituted from time to time.

The invention further contemplates a supporting means designed toovercome the foregoing difficulties, in that it protects the verticaloperative sides or faces of the electrode, so as to properly retain itin form, even though it becomes cracked or broken, and at the same timeleave all of the operative surfaces of the electrode exposed to the andthe co-aoting element.

solution the other hand, will provide a more positive connection orcontact between the electrode and its conductive supporting means.

In carrying out the invention I comprehend an electrode support designedto permit of a quick and ready separation of the negative electrodetherefrom, and its ment by a new electrode from time as the occasion mayrequire.

replaceto time More specifically stated the invention comprehends theprovision of an electrode support in the nature of an article ofmanufacture, that can be produced and sold at a nomlnal cost, anddesigned to permit of its use with renewal or substitute el from time totime.

ectrodes With the above and other objects in view, embodiments of theinvention are shown in the accompanying drawings, and these embodimentswill be hereinafter more fully described with reference thereto, and

In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows aperspective view of the in- :ventionpointed out in the appended claims.

a cylindrical form-of my invention, adapted to accommodate compressedcyllndrical forms of copper oxide electrodes;

Fig. 2 shows a side elevation of a modified form of my improvedelectrode supp a plate form of electrode contained ort with therein Fig.3 is a side elevation of adifferent form of plate electrode support;

Fig. 4 is another side view of a further modified plate form of theinvention;

Fig. 5 is a vertical cross section taken on line 4+4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 shows a horizontal cross taken on line 66 ofFig. 3, and

section Fig. 7 shows a fragmentary perspective View of a modified formof the invention, illustrating an outside support for cylindricalelectrode.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention I have illustrated anelectrode supporting means in the nature of a frame designed to slidablyand removably support the "electrode, so that the latter can bereplacedby renewal or substitute electrodes from'time to time as the occasionmay require. The frame has also been designed as a protective means for.the electrode, with :a view of minimizing the possibility of injury tothe latter, as well as to maintain the electrode in itsvprope-rform,even though it becomes cracked or broken due to handling, shipping orfor any other reason.

In one embodiment of the invention, see Fig. 1, Ihave illustrated asupporting frame designed to accommodate itself to electrodes ofcylindrical contour in cross section, while in other embodiments of theinvention I have illustrated ;a supporting frame for use in conjunctionwith electrodes 'of rectangular contour. However, the fundamental basicprinciple of-the invention'is the same in both instances,andconsequentlythe invention can "be practiced without any limitations with referenceto the size or shape of the particuin electrode to be used.

The electrode sup-porting means is in the "nature of an article ofmanufacture, capable of. being used indefinitely with electrodes otherthan the original electrode with which it is associated, when renewalsor substitution of electrodes is found necessary or desirable.

The supporting means shown in Fig. 1 consists of a frame includingspaced parallel members 10 and 11 respectively threaded at their upperends as at 12. and provided at their lower ends with outwardly directedhook portions 13 and 14 respectively. Wound about the spaced parallelmembers is a wire 15 in the form of a cylindrical helix, to accommodatean electrode of cylindrical contour in cross'section :and indicated at16.

The convolutions ofthe'wire helix 1-5 can be spaced apart any desireddistance with out departing from the inventive idea, but

-with due regard tot-he protection'afforded they are prevented fromspreading apart at their lower or free ends.

When a cylindrical negative electrode is used, the ends of the latterare covered and protected by caps 17 preferably provided with serratedflanges 18 to better engage the outer peripheral surface of theelectrode, and with the inner peripheral surface ate its ends and hassecured thereto a centrally upwardly extending hanger rod 23, which inpractice is inserted in the central aperture of the battery ja-r cover(not shown), and secured thereto in any suitable manner. The insulatingblocks are adapted to support pos itive zinc electrodes in spacedrelation to the inactive electrode 16.

The wire coil 15 may be ordinarily iron wire, preferably plated withZinc, which in practice and immediately upon being submerged in thebattery solution, serves to produce a local action between the wire andthe copper oxide of the negative electrode, which treats and reduces thesurface of the latter. This preliminary reduction of the negativeelectrode better serves to produce a fuller flow'of electricity at thebeginning of the operation of the battery. The cross section of the wireis preferably round, and

therefore, while a firm engagement of the negative electrode ishad toform a positive electrical contact with the wire and hanger rods, theconstruction is'such as to permit the solution to attack the entiresurface of the negative electrode.

A substantially similarly formed frame for the electrode may be alsoprovided as illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings, and whichdifferentiates from the form above described, in'that thehook ends 24 ofthe parallel members 10 and 11 are turned inwardly, instead ofoutwardly, and the coiled wire helix 15 engaged upon the inner sides ofthe parallel members and, fixed thereto in any suitable manner. Viiththis form of the supporting frame, the cylindrical negative electrode isinserted into the coiled wire, rather than over the same'as in the firstform. It will of course be understood that both inside and outsidecoiled wires may be employed together, to support both the inner andouter cylindrical surfaces of the negative electrode withoutdepartingfrom the spirit of the invention.

The invention'may also be used with electrodes of rectangular contour,and I have illustrated in the drawings several 1nodifications of theinvention with this object in view. In one of these modifications shownin F ig. 2, I employ a frame of inverted U- shaped formation wherein thetransverse top member 25 and parallel supporting members 26-26respectively are channeled to receive the edge of the plate form ofnegative electrode 27 While the wire coil 15 has its convolutions passedabout the spaced 0pposite supporting members 26 and ri idly securedthereto in any suitable manner. This prevents the free ends of members26 moving or being forced apart. The transverse member 25 is formed withan upwardly bent yoke 28 within which the positive electrode supportinginsulating block 29 is adapted to be engaged. Each of these parallelmembers 26 are designed to both slidably and removably receive thenegative electrode 27. While any means may be employed for holding theelectrode within the frame in a manner to permit of its removaltherefrom, in this specific embodiment of the invention as illustrated,I preferably reduce the parallel members 26 at the ends thereof toprovide bending lugs 30 which can be quickly and conveniently bentbeneath the lower edge of the electrode to hold it within the frame. Acentral hanger rod 31 for suspending the entire unit from the batteryjar cover (not shown), is secured to the yoke 28 of the top member ofthe frame. The wire coil 15 wound helically about the spaced paralle.members 26, and has its ends as well as each convolution effectivelysecured to each parallel member 26 to form a strong rigid supportingframe for the negative electrode. It is manifest from this constructionthat the frame in its entirety is open at one end so that the electrodecan be ranged within the frame, and held positioned therein an anysuitable manner, to permit of its removal when desired. While theconvolutions of the wire coil are herein shown secured to the outersurfaces of the parallel members 26, they "may also be secured to theinner surfaces thereof, see Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive without departingfrom the inventive idea. The parallel members 26 of the frame thusextendalong the opposed sides or faces of the negative electrode, and afterthelatter has been arranged within the frame it is effectively engaged onall sides anc. edges by the latter.

In the modifications shown in Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive, I have shown theframe as consisting of a transverse top member 32 which is of somewhatthe same construction as the member 25 hereinablove referred to, in thatit is formed with a centrallylocated yoke 33 slidably aradapted toreceive the head of the central hanger rod 31. The frame also of both ofthese forms includes spaced parallel supporting members which are ofU-shaped formation similar to the members 26 hereinabove described. InFig. 3 of the invention the U-shaped supporting members '34 are disposedvertically and secured directly to the top transverse member 32 and thusserves to support a wire coil 15 disposed within and secured to saidU-shaped member.

The supporting members 35 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are arranged to extendhorizontally across the opposed sides or faces of the plate form ofnegative electrode 27, in contradistinction to the vertical arrangementofthe supporting members 34 shown in Fig. 3. The frame also includes awire coil 36, the convolutions of whichare arranged vertically, passingover the upper transverse member 32 and below the lowermost supportingmember 35. These convolutions are also rigidly connected to the topsupporting member 32 and to eachof the supporting members 35' at everypoint where these parts contact, thus providing a strong and rigidsupporting framefor the negative electrode. In these forms of theinvention the frame is open along at least one edge to slidably receivethe negative electrode, while the free ends of the supporting membersform bendable lugs 37 which can be bent into engagement with theadjacent edgeof the negative electrode to hold the latter properlypositioned within the frame. In this form of the invention the frame isbroader through its upper portion than its lower portion to accommodateplates of like dimension. The frame also contacts both faces and everyedge of the negative electrode, and at the same time permits T thelatter to be quickly and conveniently removed from the frame as theoccasion may require, so that a renewal or substitute electrode canbeused in its place.

In all of these forms of the invention which are designed for use inconnection With electrodes of rectangular contour, it will be observedthat the supporting frame is designed V to embrace four or more sides ofthe electrode, as the frame has been designed as a protecting means forthe electrode, as well as designed to permit the electrode to bereplaced by renewal or substitute at any time found necessaryordesirable. It will also be noted that the means employed for holding 1the electrode within the frame in a manner to permit of 1ts removal,forms an integral part of the frame itself, thereby not only add ing tothe strength and rigidity of the entire supporting structure,-but alsoeffecting the cost of manufacture of the article.

\Vhile it is believed that from the foregoing description the nature andadvantages of the invention will be readily apparent, I

desire to have it understood that whatis herein shown and described ismerely illustrative,

.andtto which I do not :limit myself, as such changes may be resorted.to when desired as fall within-the scope .of what is claimed.

that is claimedis: v .1. As a new articleof manufacture, an electrodesupport comprising a frame including spaced 'parallellsupportingmembers, a wire COIlGd about said members and having its .convolutionsspaced apart and rigidly secured to .saidzmembers at their points ofcontact, an electrode smaller than the inside dimensions of thesupporting frame, said framebe1ngdes1gnedto slidably receive anelectrode and permit of its removal there- :from, and means forming .anintegral part of said supporting members for holdmg anelectrodeassocrated wlth the frame.

' :2. As a new article .of manufacture, an electrode support comprisinga frame having spaced parallel supporting members,.an electrode, saidframe designed to embrace the electrode and open to slidably receive theelectrodeand permitof its removal therefrom,a

wire coiled about said parallel members and rigidly connected therewith,and means forming an integral .part of said members for holding theelectrode associated with the frame.

3. As a new article of manufacture, an elec- :trode support comprising aframe including spaced parallelimembers, an electrode,.a wire coiledabout sa1d members and having its convolutlons rigidly connectedtherewith to define aframe open to slidably receive an electrode, andpermit of its removal therefrom,

and lugs carried by said parallel members :to engage the adjacent edgeofthe electrode and support the latter associated with the frame.

4. As a newarticle of manufacture, an electrode supporting frameincluding-spaced parallel supporting members, an electrode, a wirecoiled about said members and rigidly secured thereto, and defining aframe-like structure designedto embraceanelectrode on porting means forholding said electrode within said support, and means connectingsaidarms forpreventing theopen end of said frame from spreading.

.6. An electrodesupport including a unitary wire frame structure,anelectrode, said framehaving .anopening larger'than the electrode,adapted to embrace sa1d electrode and to slidably receive the electrodeand permit its removal therefrom, said frame including a pair of arms,means forming'an integral part of sa1d frame for holding the electrodewithin the latter, and means connecting sa1d arms for preventing open.end of said frame having an opening at least as large as an electrodeand being designed to slidably receive an electrode and permit of itsremoval therefrom, and means for holding an electrode positioned withinsaid frame.

8. An electrode support including spaced parallel members, a wire coiledaround said members and rigidly connected therewith at their points ofcontact, and defining therewith a frame-like structure having an openingat least as large as an electrode, sail opening being designed toreceive an electrode and permit its removal therefrom, and means forholding an electrode within. said support.

9. As a new article of manufacture an electrode support including spacedparallel members, a wire coiled about said members and having itsconvolutions rigidly connected therewith to define a frame having anopening at least as large as an electrode to slidably receive anelectrode and permit of its removal therefrom, and means carried by saidsupporting members of the frame for holding an electrode associated withthe frame, said means being operable to permit removal of the electrodefrom the frame.

10. As a new article of manufacture, a electrode support comprising aunitary wire basket frame including a coil adapted to surround andengage the electrode, said frame having an opening at least as large asthe electrode adapted to-slidably'receive and permit the removal of theelectrode from the frame, and bendable end portions forming an integralpart of the frame arranged to retain the electrode within the frame,andto permit removal of the electrode from the frame.

11. As a new article of manufacture, an electrode support comprising awire basket frame, an electrode, said frame having an opening at leastas large as the electrode and including spaced parallel supportingmembers designed to embrace the electrode and to slidably receive theelectrode and permit its removal therefrom, and a wire coiled about saidparallel members and rigidly connected therewith.

12. As a new article of manufacture, an electrode support comprising awire basket frame, an electrode, said frame having an opening at leastaslargeas the electrode and including spaced supporting members, a. L

